Lawmakers weigh bill establishing new crime in drug overdoses

HELENA — Supporters of a bill in the legislature say it would help bring justice to the families of drug overdose victims.

Between 2007-2018, drugs took the lives of between 10 and 15 per 100,000 Montanans, according to data from the state Department of Health and Human Services.

House Bill 391 would establish an extra penalty for drug dealing if those drugs kill someone. Dealers could spend up to 100 years in prison. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Frank Fleming, R-Billings